The federal government is preparing to introduce 35 new life-saving and advanced medicines in Pakistan, aimed at treating a wide range of serious health conditions including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney and prostate issues, and diabetes.
The initiative also covers next-generation vaccines designed to protect against various infectious diseases, marking a significant step towards improving public health access.
According to official sources, the pricing of these medicines is on the agenda for the upcoming federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Government officials are confident that the proposal will receive swift approval.
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Health ministry insiders revealed that these medicines, developed using the latest global formulas, have been in high demand across Pakistan. However, their absence from local markets has largely been due to regulatory delays, particularly in price setting and registration processes. A senior official noted that the pricing and approval process had been stuck for nearly two years because of administrative bottlenecks.
If approved, all 35 medicines will be placed under the government’s mandatory pricing system. This is expected to ensure affordability and prevent price manipulation. Moreover, it will open the door for local pharmaceutical firms to manufacture or import these much-needed drugs.